The winners for the 2003 British Academy Children's Film and Television Awards in association with the LEGO Co. were announced on Nov. 30, 2003. THE BOB THE BUILDER SPECIAL: A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER took home the prize for Best Animation. The special was produced by HOT Animation, HIT Ent. and the BBC and features music by Sir Elton John.

Jackie Cockle, producer of BOB THE BUILDER for HIT Ent. and MD of HOT Animation said, “We’re absolutely chuffed to bits with this award for Best Animation. A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER was our first feature-length special of BOB THE BUILDER and needless to say we’re over the moon that the team’s talent and hard work has been recognized with a Children’s BAFTA.”

In a surprising win, WHALE RIDER beat out HARRY POTTER & THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS, LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS and THE WILD THORNBERRYS for Best Feature Film. ARTHUR, from WGBH and animated by CINAR, can add another award to its résumé, taking home the Best International Production prize. The Pre-School Animation Award went to HILLTOP HOSPITAL, a co-production between Pascal Le Notre, Robin Lyons Siriol Prods. and CiTV. STAR TICKET ACTIVE, an interactive TV program, garnered the Interactive prize.

This year’s awards returned to the London Hilton and were hosted by comedienne and TV host Fearne Cotton. The British Academy Children’s Film & Television Awards were created in 1996 with the ambition to raise the profile of the children’s industry. For more information, visit www.bafta.org.